Synopsis: An American girl on vacation in Italy finds an unanswered "letter to Juliet" -- one of thousands of missives left at the fictional lover's Verona courtyard, which are typically answered by a the "secretaries of Juliet" -- and she goes on a quest to find the lovers referenced in the letter.

Flick Facts:

* Juliet's secretaries really do exist. They are called the Juliet Club and they volunteer to reply to letters left in Verona, as well as organize events in honor of Romeo and Juliet.

* Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero, playing starcrossed lovers in this film, are a real life couple.

* Hugh Dancy was originally cast as Victor but dropped out and was replaced by Gael Garcia Bernal.

* Ashley Lilley who played Patricia is Amanda Seyfried's best friend and also appeared with her in Mamma Mia! (2008).

* In this film and in Mamma Mia! Amanda Seyfried plays characters named Sophie.

* Letters to Juliet was filmed in and around New York City (Bryant Park and Manhattan) and Italy (Siena, Tuscany, Verona, Veneto and Soave).

* The film's estimated cost was $30 million; its total domestic gross was $53,051,260 million.

She Said, He Said:

* "I'm sorry, I didn't know love had an expiration date."

* "Charlie doesn't approve, which makes it all the more fun!"

* "What's so romantic about eating in the dirt?"

* "It's over! We're done! We've found Nemo!"

* "I would have grabbed her from that blasted balcony and been done with it."

* "Dear Claire, What and If are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if? What if? What if? I don't know how your story ended but if what you felt then was true love, then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart. I don't know what a love like Juliet's feels like - love to leave loved ones for, love to cross oceans for but I'd like to believe if I ever were to feel it, that I will have the courage to seize it. And, Claire, if you didn't, I hope one day that you will. All my love, Juliet."

Chic Chick Sounds:

The Letters to Juliet soundtrack takes you to the vineyards and marvelous landscapes of Italy, providing a wonderful listening experience. Bella!
"You Got Me"

Written by Colbie Caillat and John Shanks
Performed by Colbie Caillat

"Chianti Country"
Composed by Reg Tilsley

"Verona"
Written and Performed by Andy Georges

"Un Giorno Così"
Written by Massimo Pezzali
Performed by 883

"Per Avere Te"
Written by Romano Rizzati and Sergio Tocci
Performed by Franco Morselli

"Quando, Quando, Quando"
Written by Tony Renis and Alberto Testa
Performed by Laura Jane (as Lisa Jane) and Chris Mann

"Variations On A Theme By Mozart (Magic Flute) Op. 9"
Composed by Fernando Sor, Arranged by Jim Long

"Sospesa"
Written by Ferdinando Arnò and Luigi de Crescenzo
Performed by Malika Ayane and Pacifico

"Per Dimenticare"
Written by Matteo Maffucci, Thomas De Gasperi, Enrico Ciarallo, and Danilo Paoni
Performed by Zero Assoluto

"Sono Bugiarda (I'm A Believer)"
Written by Neil Diamond
Performed by Caterina Caselli

"Guarda Che Luna"
Written by Gualtiero Malgoni
Performed by Fred Buscaglione

"Love Story"
Written and Performed by Taylor Swift

"What If"
Written by Colbie Caillat, Rick Nowels and Jason Reeves
Performed by Colbie Caillat

I love Italy. I have not yet gotten there but it is on my bucket list and until my feet are actually on Italian soil, I love movies that take place in Italy or have an Italian connection. Letters to Juliet fit that bill perfectly. The scenery was beyond luscious, an absolute virtual postcard - - just to die for. If nothing else, the landscaping and stunning photography makes the movie worthwhile.

Romance lovers will delight in this story, particularly ones who have a Shakespeare affinity. The idea behind Juliet's Secretaries is lovely and the story Rivera and Sullivan dreamt up using it as inspiration is rich and inspiring. Sophie and Charlie make a classically mismatched-on-the-surface pair and both are young, earnest and incredibly attractive. Claire and Lorenzo cover the over-twentysomething set with a mature and enduring love story that will move the most impossibly passive moviegoer.

Best Parts of Letters to Juliet: Italy, Italy, Italy. The locale and photography is so scrumptious if you can't book the next flight to Verona, you will at least be hankering for your favorite pasta dish and a glass of wine. Worst Parts of Letters to Juliet: The obstacles keeping Sophie and Charlie apart are stereotypically cliche and can give Letters to Juliet a formula feel.

Spawns and Sequels: Letters to Juliet has spawned no sequels (nor should it) but it does have a connection to one of the greatest love stories put to paper, Romeo and Juliet.

Other Italy-based love stories include Roman Holiday, Only You, A Room With a View and The English Patient.

The Final Word: I went to see Letters to Juliet in the theater, expecting some nice, enjoyable entertainment. I got that, plus a renewed itch to visit Italy and a beautiful respect for Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero, who basically steal this film away from the younger Amanda Seyfried and Christopher Egan. How wonderful to have a love story that focuses on a couple in their sixties/seventies who are still vibrant, active and very much in love! I thrilled on the story of a 50 year old letter that was finally answered, and two hearts that were still aching for the other. I saw this movie with a girlfriend over 40 and we were both delighted. I rewatched it on DVD with my niece who is 14 and she was just as pleased with it. A strong, satisfying romance for teens, young adults and 30+, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Letters to Juliet and it's definitely good for repeat viewings.

Letters to Juliet is available for purchase at major retailers, including Amazon.

I didn't know you had other blogs! I just saw this one recently with my mom. I am a big Amanda Seyfried fan after seeing Mamma Mia (also recently). I felt the same as you about the romance between the young couple being cliche. It could have been better. I would have loved if Hugh Dancy was the lead opposite Amanda! I look forward to coming back here and checking out more of your reviews!!

What is a Chick Flick?

Chick flick is slang for a film designed to appeal to a female target audience. Although many types of films may be directed toward the female gender, "chick flick" is typically used only in reference to films that are heavy with emotion or contain themes that are relationship-based (though not necessarily romantic).

About Me

I am a business professional by day, a not-so secret writer by night and a lifelong devotee of books (they are my oxygen!) and the written word. I am fascinated with all things old Hollywood, British, literary and true crime. I am utterly obsessed with "Pride & Prejudice" and consider it one of the best books written. Ever. I am delighted with the many fans of the book and thrilled that so many prequels/sequels/adaptations have been written on it, as well as Jane Austen's other works. When not reading or writing, I also enjoy sports (baseball and NASCAR), watching old movies (early 1930s is my favorite time period), obsessing over the Brady Bunch, pretending to be Julia Child while trying out new recipes, advocating for animals and green, sustainable living. I currently share my home with my dog and lots of books and movies.

Subscribe via email

Subscribe To Chick Flick Heaven!

Flickin Around the Web

Loading...

Which Classic Dame Are You?

Your result for The Classic Dames Test...

Katharine Hepburn

You scored 21% grit, 24% wit, 48% flair, and 17% class!

You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, thinking men who like strong women.